5 Steps to Take Before Turning on Your Air Conditioning

While there may still be some chill in the air, the hot summer air is just around the corner. The temperatures will soon rise, and you’ll be more than ready to flip the switch on your thermostat from heat to cool. But before you make the switch, we recommend following our tried-and-true steps to help prepare your air conditioner for the heavy workload to come.

While it may be a simple turn of a knob or press of a button, it can take a lot out of your HVAC unit to go from providing consistent warm air to cool air. Air conditioning maintenance and service are essential to reduce the chances of future problems and extend the lifespan of your system.

5 Essential Steps to Take

Clean or Replace the Filters

This is the easiest step and yet one of the most overlooked steps to improving the performance of your central air conditioner. HVAC air filters should be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days depending on how many pets and humans live in the home. Dirty air filters restrict air flow, reduce efficiency and recirculate dust back into the clean air coming into your home. Not only can a dirty air filter impact your HVAC’s performance, but it can impact your health—especially for those who suffer from indoor allergies and other respiratory issues.

Clear Supply Vents

Make sure the supply vents and return grills are clear of any dust and debris. Using a vacuum is a good way to remove pet hair and other debris that has accumulated throughout the fall and winter. If you have trouble reaching your vents, you can give the experts at Bradley Mechanical a call for proper cleaning.

Don’t Ignore the Outdoor Condenser

Proper air circulation is key to the efficient performance of your central air conditioner. Clearing away debris from around the outdoor condenser will help air flow easier. There should be a clear area of at least two feet in all directions from the condenser. Trim back bushes or tree branches that may have grown too close and remove any other debris, such as fallen leaves and dirt, around the unit.

Schedule an Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Evaporator coils capture heat from the air inside your home. These coils are typically made of copper and are surrounded by aluminum fins. When evaporator coils get dirty, problems can occur in your air conditioner, such as reduced heat transfer, decreased cooling efficiency or increased energy consumption. We highly recommend scheduling a professional cleaning from the experienced HVAC technicians of Bradley Mechanical. Our technicians have the proper equipment and training to clean your evaporator coils without causing damage.

Sign Up to Become an ESA Pro Member

Just like any other mechanical appliance in your home, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to avoid expensive breakdowns and repairs. By becoming an ESA Pro Member with Bradley Mechanical, you’ll receive a routine spring tune-up by our HVAC experts. ESA stands for Energy Savings Agreement, which provides you with a detailed system cleaning twice a year and 15% off parts and repairs. Our approach helps to keep your air conditioner performing smoothly throughout the dog days of summer and well into the colder seasons.

Turning on the A/C

Once you have gone through the steps of cleaning your air conditioning system, wait for a warm day to turn it on and make sure it works. After a few minutes of running, you should feel cool air coming from your registers. If the air coming out doesn’t feel cool or there is no air at all, there is something wrong, and it is time to call Bradley Mechanical.

Some clear signs your HVAC unit needs repairs or maintenance include:

  • Insufficient airflow
  • High humidity
  • Water leakage
  • Cycling on and off constantly
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Strange or loud noises
  • Warm air instead of cool air

If you notice one or more of these issues with your HVAC system, there’s a good chance the steps above either haven’t been properly addressed, or there’s a bigger issue at hand. A professional HVAC technician can help to diagnose the problem and get cool air back into your home in no time.

A Cool Spring Ahead

This spring if you need air conditioning service, repair or installation, give Bradley Mechanical a call. We have been keeping Richmond homes cool and comfortable during the summer for over 50 years. Our expert HVAC technicians know how to quickly diagnose problems and offer affordable solutions, so you don’t have to sweat it out. We also offer a large selection of energy-efficient Lennox air conditioning systems.

Learn more about our air conditioning maintenance and services.

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